Banning companies that charge a fee for “student debt relief” already provided by the federal government.

A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to banning companies that charge a fee for “student debt relief” already provided by the federal government and creating a private cause of action for borrowers who fall victim to these scams

This law is intended to ban businesses that offer student debt relief services for a fee. These businesses profit by charging vulnerable individuals exorbitant monthly fees for acting as middlemen in accessing services that are otherwise free from the federal government (with a phone call). The federal Department of Education has identified this practice as a “scam” and has warned holders of federal student loans about these businesses. This law also bans advertisements on behalf of such businesses and also includes a civil cause of action for individuals who fall victim to such businesses. These businesses typically advertise with signage in store front windows with a phone number to call.